The fire, located in Bayou Perot near Lafitte, started around 6 p.m. Tuesday. According to the Coast Guard, a tug boat struck the pipeline while pushing a 154-foot barge. Bayou Perot runs along the Jefferson Parish and Lafourche Parish line.

Four people were on board the tug boat at the time of the fire. The captain received severe burns to more than 75 percent of his body, said the Coast Guard. He was rushed to West Jefferson Medical Center for treatment and is listed as in critical condition.

Another crew member was hurt when he jumped from the vessel. He was taken to the hospital but is listed as in good condition.

The pipeline that was struck carried liquid petroleum gas. A representative for the Coast Guard said the pipeline has been shut off. However, there is 19 miles of pipeline in between the two nearest shutoff points, and that fuel will still need to burn off.

The barge that was being pushed is also on fire, and was carrying thousands of barrels of fuel at the time of the fire.

As of Wednesday morning, the tug boat was still tied to the barge but vessels are in place to secure the barge in case it comes loose.

An oil boom has been put in place to contain any oil that might have contaminated the water. Officials said they will have a better idea of how much oil has leaked out soon after daylight Wednesday.